About DOT

Press Releases

DOT to Widen Sidewalk & Install Bike Racks in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Iris Weinshall today announced a plan to expand the sidewalk at the southeast corner of North 7th Street at Bedford Avenue, and install needed bicycle parking. This plan grew out of a request by Community Board 1 for more bike parking and a recommendation from the joint Department of City Planning (DCP)/DOT Subway-Sidewalk Interface project, which looks at ways to improve pedestrian movement around the entrances to subway stations to encourage mass transit use.

"The Bedford Avenue subway station is heavily used and the sidewalks in the area will be expanded to meet the needs of this growing community," said DOT Commissioner Weinshall. "By building larger sidewalks we'll now be able to provide bike parking and ease some of the crowding around the station entrance."

"DOT has met the challenge of our growing community both creatively and collaboratively," said Teresa Toro, Community Board One's Transportation Committee Chairperson. "We all recognize the benefits of encouraging people to leave their cars at home, and we're working to make it safer and easier to do so. By making busy intersections into "people first" places, we hope to keep Williamsburg's streets and sidewalks safe and enjoyable."

DOT plans to expand the sidewalk at the location by extending the curb 5 feet into the street, for approximately 112 feet along the southeast curb of North 7th Street. Bicycle racks will then be installed and will provide at least 25 parking spaces for bicycles. Implementation should occur within the first six months of 2007.